Howard Clifford Osborne, son of Howard and Flora Osborne, passed away on February 23, 2026, after a short illness. Howard was “Ozzie” to all family and friends. Ozzie was born on August 5, 1936.
Ozzie graduated from Essex Junction High School in 1955. After graduation he joined the U.S Air Force and served for four years. He was also in the Vermont Air Guard for two years. When he returned home, he was employed by G.E. In 1961 he married Ann Griffin; they resided in Essex for 62 years. In 1964 their son, Scott, was born. In 1964 Ozzie began working at the U.S Post Office in Essex Junction as a letter carrier, retiring after 32 years of service in 1992.
After retiring, Ozzie and Ann began spending winters in Florida. When they returned each spring, Ozzie would return to his job at Essex Junction High School in the maintenance department. He worked there for 15 years. Ozzie and Ann had recently moved to Milton.
Ozzie was a lover of nature and the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and skeet shooting. Ozzie was a member of the Underhill Rod and Gun Club; he served as president in the early ’80s. In 1983 he was the state Skeet Champion. He was a life member of the NRA and National Association of Letter Carriers.
Ozzie is survived by Ann, his wife of 64 years; son, Scott, and his wife, Ann Marie; grandson, Griffin, and his girlfriend, Mary Benoit; granddaughter, Jordan, and her husband, Austin Doolin; the mother of his grandchildren, Lacey Osborne; sister Janice Bartlett; and many nieces and nephews.
Ozzie is predeceased by his parents, sister and brothers-in-law, Marjori Warnet, Shirley and Michael Depaul, Loretta Deveraux, Barbara and Ernie Dudley, and David Bartlett.
A memorial service will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Essex Rescue or Milton Rescue.
This article appears in March 4 • 2026.